SAA Adds Capacity and Reassures Trade on Fuel Supply Disruption Concerns
South African Airways (SAA) has moved to reassure trade partners that all services are operating normally amid ongoing discussions around aviation fuel supply in South Africa, confirming that contingency planning is in place and there is no impact to its network. In a related capacity move, the airline has added two additional services - SA280 on 24 April and SA281 on 25 April - with availability currently open on both flights. SAA is also highlighting a one-stop Perth - São Paulo routing via Johannesburg, offering agents the ability to sell combined South Africa and South America itineraries on a single ticket, with onward connections to Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and other destinations available through partnerships with GOL and LATAM.
The updates come as SAA continues to develop its Australia and New Zealand trade relationships, with sales representatives available to conduct tailored training sessions and webinars for agent teams across both markets. On a broader note, Cape Town has been named Best LGBTQ+ City Destination at the 2026 Spartacus Travel Awards, building anticipation ahead of World Pride 2028 - the first time the event will be held on the African continent. SAA has also reminded agents that wheelchair assistance requests must be submitted manually at the time of booking, with full passenger mobility details included under OSI, and that cases involving recent surgery require a completed MEDIF form submitted to the airline's special handling contacts.
Source: Travel Weekly
